Peter Hook Discusses Ongoing Animosity with New Order and Fans' Complaints
On April 18, 2025
Table of Contents
- Key Highlights
- Introduction
- The Musical Rift: A Closer Look at the Split
- The Legacy of Joy Division
- Fans Speak Out: The Double-Edged Sword of Nostalgia
- Reflections on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Looking Ahead: New Music and Tours
- Conclusion: Continuing the Conversation
- FAQ
Key Highlights
- Peter Hook, co-founder of Joy Division and New Order, highlights lingering animosity with his former bandmates.
- Hook criticizes the current New Order for straying from their original sound and dismisses them as a “bad cover version.”
- The bassist reflects on the legacy of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis and the band's impact on music history.
- Hook plans to attend the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony despite ongoing tensions, indicating his complex relationship with the band.
Introduction
“It’s a weird feeling when the very songs that changed lives and defined a generation become unrecognizable.” For fans of New Order, this sentiment resonates loudly. Peter Hook, the iconic bassist and co-founder of both Joy Division and New Order, recently expressed his deep-seated concerns over the current band's direction. As one of the premier innovators in the post-punk movement, Hook's departure from New Order in 2007 was not just about personal disagreements but encapsulated a broader rift concerning musical integrity, ownership, and legacy.
In light of Hook's recent interview with The i Paper, which addressed both his perspective on the evolving lineup of New Order and the ongoing fan dissatisfaction with their performances, we embark on an analytical journey through the intricacies of his relationship with the band and the music industry at large.
The Musical Rift: A Closer Look at the Split
Peter Hook's split from New Order was much more than just a band member leaving; it was rooted in a tangled web of creative differences and financial disputes. The fallout began to unfurl publicly in the mid-2000s, culminating in Hook's departure in 2007.
The Roots of Animosity
The animosity between Hook and the remaining members of New Order can be traced back to unresolved issues surrounding both royalties and creative direction. Discussions about collaborative efforts soured, as Hook alleged that his contributions were being marginalized. In a 2017 interview with NME, he noted, “We reached a full and final settlement over our royalties." However, the “settlement” didn’t erase the emotional scars from years of tension.
Sound and Identity Crisis
In his latest remarks, Hook implies that New Order has lost its original sound. “I don’t think they’re New Order. They don’t sound anything like them,” he articulated, critiquing the current lineup's musical approach, which he claims lacks the distinctive bass lines that were integral to their original hits. Fans have echoed these sentiments, posting comments lamenting the absence of the depth and complexity he brought to their sound. “They’re like, ‘You can’t hear the bass!’” Hook recounts, referring to direct messages from upset fans.
The Legacy of Joy Division
No conversation about Peter Hook is complete without addressing Joy Division's enduring legacy. Formed partly as a response to the traumatic fallout of Ian Curtis’s tragic death in 1980, Joy Division's music paved the way for countless artists in the post-punk movement. Hook’s portrayal of Curtis's influence adds another layer of complexity to his narrative with New Order.
Building a New Identity
After Curtis’s death, the surviving members reformed as New Order, seamlessly blending the synthetic and organic sounds of the '80s. They became pioneers in electronic music and maintained an influential presence for decades. As Hook reflects on their journey, he muses, “We didn’t grieve enough,” expressing remorse over how young they were at the time to process such a monumental loss fully.
Fans Speak Out: The Double-Edged Sword of Nostalgia
Social media has become a battleground for fans of both bands, who express their displeasure with contemporary renditions of classic tracks. Hook has found himself in the curious position of being a mediator of sorts, as both fans and music historians reach out to him for validation during this transition phase for New Order.
Voices from the Fanbase
- Comments on forums often include phrases like "bring back the real New Order," showcasing a profound longing for the band’s original essence.
- Hook refrains from delving into fan debates; however, he acknowledges the "smugness" he feels when he hears their sentiments.
This feedback loop highlights a common phenomenon in the music world, where nostalgia holds great power but can sometimes blind the audience to necessary evolutions in sound.
Reflections on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2023, both Joy Division and New Order were nominated for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a move that reignited conversations around Hook’s place within the legacy of these two defining bands.
An Olive Branch?
When reflecting on the nomination, Hook considered it a possible olive branch for reconciling with his former bandmates. He stated, “I think it’s an insult for fans of both bands” that there was insufficient acknowledgment of both bands on a prominent platform like this. This sentiment strikes at the heart of his conflict with the surviving members, highlighting how both the artists and fans grapple with the legacies they built together.
Hook's Intentions
Despite the past, Hook confirmed his intention to attend the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, even joking about showing up alone. “I tell you, I’ll be there,” he affirmed, showcasing his commitment to supporting the legacy of the band he helped create, regardless of personal grievances.
Looking Ahead: New Music and Tours
As of late, New Order has been in the news regarding rumors of a new album and a potential 2025 world tour. The latest update suggests that no definitive news has emerged, though the anticipation continues to build. Meanwhile, Hook remains vigilant, performing both Joy Division and New Order material with his band, Peter Hook & The Light.
New Order's Evolving Sound
Interestingly, New Order's most recent studio album, Music Complete, released in 2015, marks the first full-length project absent of Hook’s contributions. This absence has only intensified the dialogues surrounding the current state of the band, leading audiences questioning not just the music but the very identity of New Order today.
Conclusion: Continuing the Conversation
Peter Hook's songs and legacy continue to resonate with punk and post-punk fans around the world. His clear dissatisfaction with the direction of New Order highlights the complexities of creativity within a band dynamic and the consuming nature of nostalgia for fans who wish to cling to the "golden era" of music.
Through Hook’s insight into the ongoing animosity and his ongoing engagement with fans, a broader conversation about musical authenticity and legacy unfolds. As both Peter Hook and New Order march through their respective paths, one thing remains certain: the echoes of Joy Division and New Order will continue to shape the soundscape of music for years to come.
FAQ
Why did Peter Hook leave New Order?
Peter Hook left New Order in 2007 due to a combination of personal disagreements and issues related to royalties. The band's internal friction manifested over time, leading to his eventual departure.
What are Peter Hook's main criticisms of the current New Order?
Hook has criticized the current lineup for straying from the original sound of New Order. He feels that the new versions of classic songs lack the meaningful bass lines he is known for.
How does Peter Hook view Joy Division's legacy?
Peter Hook regards Joy Division's legacy as something profoundly impactful, reflecting on the difficulty the band faced following Ian Curtis’s tragic death and emphasizing that more should have been done to grieve and honor that legacy.
Is there hope for reconciliation between Peter Hook and New Order?
While tensions remain high, Peter Hook has indicated a willingness to attend joint events, such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, hinting that there may be an opportunity for reconciliation in the future.
What is the current status of New Order's music?
New Order has been rumored to be working on new music, including a potential album and a world tour, although no formal announcements have been made publicly as of now.
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